19th of April: Nesting now

This morning, assistant ranger Paul found the first Ringed Plover nest of the year on Blakeney Point. It contained three eggs, one less than the usual clutch number of four, which suggests she will probably lay another egg tomorrow. The nest is located within one of our fenced areas, put up to protect ground-nesting birds from disturbance and the risk of camouflaged eggs being trampled. Both the male and female Ringed Plover incubate, and eggs usually hatch after around 28 days. We wish this pair success.

Ringed Plover on Blakeney Point (Joe Cockram)

Ringed Plover sat on eggs

Ringed Plovers are usually the first waders to lay on the Point. But on Blakeney Freshes, we have already had a number of Lapwings (also known as Green or Crested Plover - and Peewit) lay their eggs.

Lapwing eggs on Blakeney Freshes (George)

For the third year running, a pair of Pied Wagtails have made a nest in the nest box on the shed next to the Lifeboat House. We hope they will be as successful as last year, when they fledged to broods of six.

This weekend there have been a series of spring tides. These highlighted changes in beach profile opposite the Gap...

View north from the Gap today (Paul)

The photograph shows how a shingle ridge has formed (over the last nine months). Last night's tide over-topped the ridge, leaving a pool of knee-deep water behind it after receding, reminding us that the Point is an ever-changing landscape. This time last year, the beach opposite the Gap was flat and sandy.

Rainbow this afternoon (Paul)

- Ajay (Coastal Ranger)